Anna Schwartz, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN is a world-renowned pioneer in exercise oncology.  She is the CEO and Chief Innovator at Coleman Health, LLC where she leads initiatives to improve healthy living of cancer survivors. Anna joined academia in 1998 with a strong program of research at the forefront of exercise oncology.  A tenured faculty member with an endowed chair, Anna also worked in academic leadership positions as Associate Director of Research from 1990 to 2024. She developed a series of exercise algorithms for cancer survivors to combat fatigue and improve physical and emotional health. In 2020, she developed the Cancer Exercise app where these algorithms are applied. In 2024, Anna left her role in academia to dedicate her time to app development, writing and innovation.

Anna’s research focuses on the beneficial effects of exercise for cancer survivors. She has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Oncology Nursing Society, and industry. She has collaborated with the YMCA-USA, Livestrong, American College of Sports Medicine, Cancer Support Community, American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity board to develop programs, evidence-based guidelines, initiatives to make exercise oncology and rehabilitation stand of care for all people living with and beyond cancer.

Anna is author of numerous books evidence-based cutting-edge books on cancer and exercise and hundreds of scholarly articles. The most recent book, Essentials of Exercise Oncology, is the first textbook on the topic and provides vital details on the relationship between exercise and cancer development, treatment, and the intricacies of exercise prescription for people living with and beyond cancer. Anna’s children’s books, Okie The Wonder Dog, and Brother Bobcat’s Journey to Health all draw from her life experiences as a researcher, health care provider, cancer survivor, athlete and rancher.

Dr. Schwartz’s life’s work is a blend of her experiences as a cancer survivor, world record setting bicyclist, cycling coach, oncology nurse practitioner and pioneering exercise researcher. In addition to setting three world records and winning national titles on her bicycle, she was selected for the 2004 Bristol-Meyer’s Squibb Tour of Hope team to complete a 7-day transcontinental bicycle ride from Hollywood, California to Washington, D.C. The Tour of Hope raised awareness of the importance of cancer research. It was an amazing blend of her life experiences and passions. She is a dynamic and highly sought after speaker and enjoys giving inspirational and motivational talks to general and professional audiences.
   

The following are a list of highlighted awards:

2012 Rose Mary Carol Johnson ONS Distinguished Award for consistent contribution to oncology nursing literature, Oncology Nursing Society, New Orleans, LA

2006 Malasanos Lectureship, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

2006 Barrett Lectureship, Baylor University College of Medicine, Houston, TX

2005 University of Florida Alumnus of the Year, Gainesville, FL

2003 National Team Member, Bristol Meyers Squibb Tour of Hope (Bicycle ride from Los Angeles CA to Washington DC Oct 11-18 to raise awareness for cancer research).

2002 Inducted, Fellow American Academy of Nursing, Naples, FL

2001 New Investigator Award, American Cancer Society, San Diego, CA

2001 New Investigator Award, Oncology Nursing Society, Ponte Vedre Beach, FL

2000 Congressional Briefing for National Institute of Nursing, Washington, D.C.

1992 Cycling World Record, solo 24-hour distance, 436 miles, Homestead, Fl.

1991 Cycling World Record, tandem 12 & 24-hour distance, 435 miles, Homestead, Fl.

1989 Cycling World Record, solo 24-hour distance, 417.5 miles, Homestead, Fl.